Agger - No Hodgson rift

Daniel Agger denies that there is any rift with Roy Hodgson and insists he has no problem with his tactics.

By James Riach

Last Updated: 21/09/10 5:33pm

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger denies that there is any rift with manager Roy Hodgson and insists he has no problem with his tactics.

The 25-year-old Denmark international was reported in an interview in his homeland criticising new Reds boss Hodgson, implying he was not in favour of long-ball football.

Agger, who has been forced to fill in at left-back for the most part this season, gave the impression that he was not happy under the new regime at Anfield following the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.

However, he has denied that he is disillusioned with life at Liverpool and claims he still wants to fight for his place in the side.

"I am very disappointed with the papers in Denmark for the way they have done this story," he said.

"I spoke to Danish TV after the game on Sunday and answered the questions that were put to me. I didn't speak to the papers.

"The problem was the questions never appeared on TV, only the answers did, and then the newspapers put their own questions in.

"What came out was 100% wrong and that is why I am very disappointed.

"The TV journalist asked me what I needed to do to get back into the team and suggested I should start hitting more long balls.

"I said I wouldn't do that because I'm not that kind of player. That's where that quote came from."

Good football

Agger, who has been at the club for four years after moving from Brondby, believes that Liverpool play attractive football and is willing to battle for a place in the starting XI.

"I actually think we play good football and that we have showed that against Manchester United and against Arsenal," he added.

"What I don't understand is that it was only a few days ago when I spoke to the media ahead of the Steaua Bucharest game and said everybody at the club was happier now with the new manager, the new players and the new methods.

"It's strange to read this just a few days later but that's the way the media works, especially in Denmark.

"I have been involved in every (Premier League) game this season. Of course I'm disappointed when I'm not in the team, but I have been here for five years and really like it here.

"I wouldn't have stayed for this long if I didn't like it or if I was unhappy. I am still happy and will keep fighting for my place."